The Honda Accord has been around for nearly 50 years, which means there are a lot of options out there when you start looking for a used Honda Accord for sale. Fortunately, you don’t have to go back to the 1970s to find a fantastic pre-owned model; in fact, we’d suggest sticking to the last few generations to enjoy many of the latest features and options in this popular car. Though it was introduced as a compact car initially, it has grown into a midsize sedan over the years, and that design makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of drivers. There can be some pretty big differences when looking at one model year for the Accord compared to another, however, so it’s a good idea to have different years in mind while shopping for one. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite model years for the Accord and what sets them apart.

The 2017 Honda Accord

One of the best reasons to choose a pre-owned model is to save some money, and one of the best ways to save money with one of these vehicles is by going a bit further back in terms of model year. That being said, a 2017 Accord is about as far back as we’d usually go these days. This model year is a great choice for a few reasons. It marked the end of the ninth generation of the Accord, and it went out strong following a facelift and update the previous year (keep that in mind if you find a 2016 model that checks your boxes). With four-cylinder and V6 engines, including a hybrid option, you can find very different types of performance in a used Accord from this year.

The available V6 engine is the star of the show for the 2017 Accord, so keep an eye out for it if you enjoy a powerful used car. The EX-L and Touring trims offer this engine, along with impressive luxury and comfort features, including leather seating and more. The Touring trim tends to be the height of luxury and sophistication in the Accord, so if you’re looking for an incredibly comfortable and technologically advanced ride, then keep an eye out for this option. Overall, this model year is a great choice for a used Accord, and being part of an older generation makes it an attractive offering if you need a midsize car on a tighter budget.

The 2018 Honda Accord

As we said, the 2017 model closed out the ninth generation for the Accord, which means the 2018 Honda Accord launched the tenth generation. Honda kicked off the new generation with a full redesign along with three new engine options, creating a remarkable contrast between it and the previous model year. The V6 engine is gone, replaced by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder beauty that delivers exceptional performance and a great time on the road. If you’re a driver who enjoys total control over your vehicle, you can find 2018 Accord models with a manual transmission if you look for the Sport trim. The handling is excellent to match these new powertrains and the Accord’s redesign, ensuring every model is a joy to drive.

The interior of the 2018 Accord also receives numerous updates and improvements, bringing it more into the modern era of cars and their features. The infotainment system, in particular, was greatly enhanced for the tenth generation, with better controls and software. Higher trims for this model year come with all kinds of advanced comfort and tech features, including 12-way power-adjustable seating, a 10-speaker sound system, and more. If you’re looking for these kinds of enhanced features, then keep an eye out for the EX-L and Touring trims. Overall, this is a great place to start for a used Accord, and you’ll find a lot of similar options when looking at models from the years that followed.

The 2021 Honda Accord

Following the release of the tenth-generation Honda Accord in 2018, the years that came after saw few changes since there wasn’t much need for them. After a few years, however, Honda decided it was time for a refresh and mid-cycle update, which is what you’ll find with used Accord models starting with 2021. Although not a full redesign, there are enough notable changes made with this update to make it stand out from the years that came before it. From the outside, you can see a new front grille, new LED headlamps that become available for the 2021 model year, and new wheel designs. All of these details come together to create a unique and distinctive ride that ensures a great time on the road.

We should note that the manual transmission was discontinued on the Accord with the 2021 model year, so if that’s something you’re interested in, then you’re better off looking for one of the previous years. That being said, performance has been retuned slightly with better throttle response for the 2021 model year, allowing it to accelerate more smoothly and powerfully. Inside, Honda delivers a number of upgrades with the 2021 Accord, including making the eight-inch infotainment display that had previously been an available option standard for every trim. Overall, we love everything that Honda did with this mid-generation update, making it one of our favorite picks when helping our customers find a used Accord.

The 2023 Honda Accord

Following that update for 2021, Honda launched an all-new eleventh-generation Accord with the 2023 model year, marking another full redesign with plenty of updated features and options. If you’re interested in getting some of the latest tech and niceties in your pre-owned Accord, then a 2023 model is a great place to start. While a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard on this model, we suggest looking for one with the available 2.0L hybrid powertrain. This engine boosts the output to 204 hp, and you’ll find it on the Sport, EX-L, Sport-L, and Touring trims, so it’s not a hard one to come by. The hybrid engine keeps your gas costs low and delivers excellent performance, ensuring the 2023 Accord is incredibly fun to drive.

Inside, the Accord has once again been updated with all kinds of improvements and great features to enjoy. In particular, we’re big fans of the available 12.3-inch infotainment screen, paired with a 10.2-inch digital gauge display that makes it easy to keep track of everything you need while driving. This large infotainment system comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easier to stream music or your favorite podcast. If you find a Touring trim, then you can enjoy advanced features like a head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, ensuring you have an amazing experience every time you hit the road. The 2023 model brought the Accord into the modern era, and it’s a terrific choice.

Find a Car With Everything You Need

As you can see, these four model years give you excellent features and options to enjoy, but they’re not the only ones you can choose from. If you like what Honda added for the 2021 update, then you’ll find those features just as easily on the 2022 model; similarly, the features introduced with the 2018 Accord largely carried over into 2019 and 2020. This guide simply gives you some milestone years to keep an eye out for and helps you recognize when the big shifts happened, like the start of a new generation or a major update. With these years in mind, it’s easier to look at different pre-owned Honda Accord models, compare what each has to offer, and find everything you’ve been looking for. Now, you just need a dealership that can help you get the car you deserve, and the team here at Klein Honda is ready to assist you today.